A DIPLOMATIC posting in London beckons, but Wing Commander Leigh Dunnett says he’s immensely proud of the past three years in Tamworth.
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The Australian Defence Force Basic Flying Training School (ADF BFTS) commanding officer was recognised in a council ceremony this morning.
Tamworth regional mayor Col Murray thanked W Cdr Dunnett for his “unique contribution” to aviation in the city.
He said he recognised W Cdr Dunnett ‘s efforts to “sustain a positive reputation for the school within the community, when it has long been known that Defence was relocating to Sale”.
“He’s worked really hard to build strong community ties and relationships with Tamworth,” Cr Murray said.
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W Cdr Dunnett has been in Defence for almost 30 years, starting with the Royal Australian Air Force in 1989 as a trainee aircraft technician then transferring to the Australian Army in 1996.
He has been posted at Tamworth’s ADF BFTS before – as a trainee pilot, then later as a flying instructor and tester – before becoming its commanding officer in 2015.
He will take on the role of assistant air force adviser in London’s Australia House on December 1.
“Tamworth knew BFTS was leaving in 2019 and I really wanted to ensure that we continued to contribute to the community and establish a really good legacy and reputation of the ADF, who have just loved being here for the last 20 years – and I think we’ve established that,” he said.
‘I never thought I’d be doing this’
W Cdr Dunnett said he was particularly thankful to Squadron Leader Chris Low, his executive officer of the past year, who will take over as detachment commander from December.
Another special mention was for warrant officer Andrew Rowley, for his professionalism while representing the BFTS and ADF in almost every ceremony and commemoration of the past three years.
“Commanding the BFTS has been the pinnacle of my career to date; however, the professionalism and presentation of the unit’s image in the community and everything we’ve done is really in the hands of the staff.”
He said he was also proud of and grateful to the students for upholding those values.
W Cdr Dunnett said he was looking forward to “the challenges of representing not just the air force and the ADF but the country and the Australian government in a diplomatic post overseas, which is an amazing opportunity”.
“I joined the airforce to fix aeroplanes and fly; I never thought I’d be doing this.”
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
